What is a Vernal Pool and Why Do I Care?

What is a vernal pool? Is it an asset to a property? Can I swim in it? Why do I even care? Well, if you're planning on buying Real Estate in Maine, you'd better care! If you buy a property that has a vernal pool on it, you could encounter restrictions on how you can develop your land. And no..you won't need your water wings!

Vernal pools are small, shallow wetlands that appear only temporarily at particular times of year. Although they are only filled with water a few times a year, they are essential breeding, feeding and resting areas for 2/3 of Maine's amphibians! Frogs, turtles, salamanders,fairy shrimp....you name it! Many of these species are endangered, and Maine has gone to great lengths to protect them.

So if you find a property that has a vernal pool on it, you need to do some research!
The most important thing you need to find out is if the vernal pool is considered "significant". A pool that is considered significant is protected from development. A pool is considered "significant" if one of 2 criteria has been met:

1. It contains a state listed threatened or endangered species

or

2. There is a notable abundance of specific wildlife, such as wood frog or fairy shrimp.

Maine law states that nothing can be done to impact the vernal pool habitat, which includes the pool itself and everything within a 250ft radius. So no...you can't build your garage there....put in a dock....or turn it into a driveway! But make sure you bring in an expert to determine if the vernal pool is significant or not...don't take the neighbors word for it! Your Maine Real Estate Agent can give you names of people who have been trained in wetland ecology and wildlife. Or, contact the Maine DEP for more information!

If you're out looking for real estate In Maine and come upon a property that has a vernal pool on the premises, no need to rule it out right away! But do your homework and make sure you can build that house...or garage...or driveway! Contact the Maine DEP at the following numbers:

Presque Isle (Northern Maine Regional Office): 207-764-0477; 888-769-1053

Bangor (Eastern Maine Regional Office): 207-941-4570; 888-769-1137

Augusta (Central Maine Regional Office): 207-287-3901; 800-452-1942

Portland (Southern Maine Regional Office): 207-822-6300; 888-769-1036

And if you'd like more information on Maine Real Estate, contact The Hershey Home Team!

Did You Know....Fun Facts About Maine!

Did you know that Maine's Acadia National Park is the second most visited park in the United States...second only to Yellowstone? It's true! Located along the rocky coast, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite domed mountains, deep forests, lakes, ponds, and ocean shoreline. The variety of terrain offers outdoor recreation opportunities that are unparalleled along the Eastern Coast! Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, enjoy a sunrise over Frenchman's Bay, or wet your line in one of the numerous lakes and ponds. The park also features over 40 miles of tree lined carriage roads as well as numerous secluded hiking paths. Whew...that will keep the kids busy!

So now you know!

If you'd like more information on Acadia, visit the National Park Service!

If you'd like more information on Maine Real Estate, contact The Hershey Home Team!

10 Ways to Keep Busy During A Maine Winter

As I sit here writing this post it's a balmy 24 degrees in Phippsburg, Maine and there's an additional 8 inches of fresh snow. Some people find this invigorating, and can't wait to hit the slopes, grab a sled, or hit their favorite frozen pond. But if you're one of those people who want to experience the magic of Mid Coast Maine from a warmer spot, then this list is for you.
10 Ways To Keep Busy During A Maine Winter!

1. Visit the Patton Free Library! The library is always a little more crowded in the wintertime. The library offers an amazing array of activities for both young and old....story time for the kids, craft days, computers, movies, and an impressive book collection! Curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book or explore the history of Bath, Maine in the extensive local history room. The staff is knowledgeable, extraordinarily friendly, and always available to help. So you might come in just to warm up...but I bet you leave with a library card!

2. Tour the Maine Maritime Museum! Bath is known as "The City Of Ships", so of course we have a Maritime Museum! You can actually tour this museum all winter...it will take that long to absorb every fascinating detail! The attractions include numerous exhibits featuring art and artifacts, interactive areas for children and adults, a historic shipyard with 5 original 19th century buildings, a Victorian-era shipyard owners home,a life-size sculptural representation of the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built, and a campus on the bank of the Kennebec River! A must see!

3. Browse at Renys! There's an old saying that says "If Reny's doesn't have it...I don't need it!" How true that is! Reny's is a Maine-owned chain of small discount stores that offers everything you could possibly need at low, low prices! Need new Carharts before the ice fishing derby? Head to Reny's. Winter boots, Columbia jacket, new dishes, or a lamp shaped like a duck? Head to Reny's. They are always packed with souvenir-seeking tourists during the summertime...so at this time of year you should have plenty of elbow room to browse and browse and browse!

4. Take in a show at The Chocolate Church! If you've never visited The Chocolate Church...you're missing out on a fabulous experience! Browse through the Art Gallery, enjoy the photo exhibit, watch a play, or jam at a concert...the opportunities to enjoy the arts are endless! Check out their calendar of events...I'm sure you'll find something you won't want to miss!

5. Grab your Skateboard and head to the Bath Youth Meetinghouse! This facility is home to Maine's largest indoor skate park! Didn't pack your skateboard? Well then, you can watch a movie, enjoy a concert, play a game of ping pong, rule the arcade, or visit the Internet cafe! The perfect place for teens to gather on a cold winter's day!

6. Raise your inner temperature with some Beale Street Barbecue! When the cold north wind seems to go right through you, it's time to head over to Beale Street! Enjoy barbecue at it's finest, and with many different sauces to choose from you can make it as hot as you want! Plus, Beale Street Barbecue supports the Good Shepherd Food Bank...they've provided over 50,000 meals so far...so when you eat, someone else gets to eat too! It's a win-win!

7. Swim at the Y! The Bath YMCA is a gorgeous facility with tons to offer! Come in out of the cold and pretend it's summer while you splash in the pool or work up a sweat on the basketball court! There is a teen room and childcare is available for the little ones!

8. Bowl a Perfect Game at Yankee Lanes! When the winter blahs get you downs, grab some friends and head to Yankee Lanes in Brunswick! Getting that first strike will lift your spirits! Or, if you bowl like I do, just keeping it out of the gutter will make you smile. And they do have gutter guards for the kids that work great! Not that I've ever used them.....

9. Shop Local! Nowadays I think it's more important than ever to support our local merchants, and Front Street in Bath provides numerous opportunities to do just that! Lined with small shops, galleries, and restaurants, Front Street offers antiques, specialty stores, souvenirs shops, toy shops, a bookstore..everything you could need without having to leave Bath!


10. Howard Sports! How about some indoor soccer? Or field hockey? Or batting cages? Take your pick at Howard Sports Dome in Topsham Maine! When the kids get antsy, a day at the dome will get rid of that pent-up energy!

So there you go, my warmth-loving friends! Ten ways to help get through a Maine winter!

If you'd like additional information on any of these activities, contact The Hershey Home Team!

And if you'd like to see homes for sale in Maine, contact The Hershey Home Team!

The HAP Homes Have Arrived!

Well folks...it's official. The HAP homes are now on the market! Those of you who have been with me for a while may remember a few posts I did regarding the Homeowners Assistance Program at Brunswick Naval Air Station. I had a terrific response from those posts and answered many questions before the Army Corp of Engineers asked to me stop. Apparently, they are the only ones "allowed" to answer HAP questions. Puhleeezzz... But that's a different blog.

So for those of you who are new, well...let's back up a bit.
In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission announced that Brunswick Naval Air Station was on the closure list. Military personnel who owned homes in the areas affected by the closure were a bit nervous at the thought of trying to sell their homes..... what if values had dropped? Would they be able to cover what they paid during the housing boom? In rides the Homeowners Assistance Program to save the day! If a qualified homeowner (there are certain criteria that have to be met) has tried in vain to sell their home on the current market, HAP steps in and purchases the home, pays off the mortgage and frees up the owner to purchase another home at their next duty station. And then what does the government do with these homes?

It puts them back on the market, of course!

These homes are just starting to trickle on the market as our military guys begin to relocate. The trickle is good....the fact that the government hasn't released them all at once has helped to maintain the values!

Several of my clients have expressed concern about HAP Homes...thinking that they are similar in condition to most of the foreclosures they've looked at. They're not! These homes were not "taken" from people, so they haven't been stripped or mistreated like you sometimes see with foreclosures.

If you're interested in learning more about the HAP program...contact The Hershey Home Team!
If you're interested in buying a HAP home...contact The Hershey Home Team!

10 Good Reasons to NOT Have a Home Inspection

1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.

Why are they all blank? Well...it's because if you're planning on buying a home, then I can't think of 1 good reason to not have a home inspection!
For most people, the purchase of a home is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, investment they will make in their lifetime. It is vital that you know what you're taking on with that investment!

Sure..you fell in love with that home the minute you saw it! But remember, my friend, that love is blind! Love might make you miss that water stain on the ceiling. Love might cause you to overlook that termite damage. And love might keep you off the roof entirely!

"But Barb", you might say, "The seller is a little old lady who is sweet as pie and was very honest about all the defects in the home." I'm sure she is very sweet...and she probably told you everything she knew was wrong with the home. But when's the last time that little old lady climbed up in the attic and looked for asbestos or knob and tube wiring? When's the last time she traipsed around on the roof and looked for damaged shingles? See where I'm going with this? The homeowner is not always aware of all the hidden defects. But a licensed inspector can identify any issues that might cost you a lot money down the road.

In Maine anyone can call themselves a "Home Inspector"...there's no requirement for a license! So when choosing an inspector, I always recommend that you look for one who is licensed and certified. Don't just hire your cousin, or his drinking buddy, or the son of the seller. While their intentions may be good, they haven't been trained in what to look for during a home inspection. And what if they miss something really important? A mistake like that can strain a friendship and cost you money!
So by all means, fall in love with the house, hug the little old lady, and send your cousin a bottle of his favorite beverage. But make sure that you have that house inspected by a professional before you buy it!

If you need contact info for Home Inspectors in Maine, contact The Hershey Home Team!

And if you're looking for Real Estate in Maine, contact The Hershey Home Team!

"Skip Work, Play Golf!"

While the weathermen are keeping an eye on an approaching snowstorm, Maine Golfers are looking forward to the first days of spring. The first day they can step out on the links and see how many trees they can hit...or balls they can lose...or lakes they can splash through. At least that's how my golf game usually goes! But luckily, when it comes to golf courses Maine has something for every skill level and every budget. With over 140 courses, you can choose from an intimate beginners course or a stunning world-class layout. You can decide to play 9 holes in a scenic mountain setting, or tee off along Maine's rocky coastline. So if you're a golfer and are headed to Mid Coast Maine this summer, here's a list of places that might interest you....

BATH COUNTRY CLUB: Nestled amid the rolling farmland of North Bath, the Bath Country Club is a favorite of many a Maine Golfer. Don't let the lush, country feel fool you, the 18 hole course is challenging! It's no wonder so many Mainers decide to "Skip Work, Play Golf!". Call 207-442-8411 to reserve a tee time, or visit www.skipworkplaygolf.com

BRUNSWICK GOLF CLUB: Brunswick Golf Club is an 18 hole gem that is considered by many to be the best course in Mid Coast Maine. The front side, a Geoff Cornish design, will test every club in your golf bag. And the Stiles/Van Cleek designed back nine has plenty of birdie opportunities! Call (207) 725-8224 or visit www.BrunswickGolfClub.com for more info!

SEBASCO HARBOR RESORT GOLF CLUB: I love a golf course where your approach is affected by whether it's high or low tide! Sebasco's 9 hole championship golf course winds along the shores of Casco Bay, and the beauty of the scenery might distract you a bit! The course was fully redesigned in 2001, and the challenging layout and bent grass fairways ensure an outstanding experience! Call (207)389-1161 or visit www.Sebasco.com !

SAMOSET: Just up the coast a bit is the Samoset Resort Golf Club, an 18 hole course featuring some of the most magnificent views and formidable holes in golf. It won Golf Digest's "Top Ranked Resort Course in New England" as well as the magazine's "Seventh Most Beautiful Course in America". Definitely worth the trip! Call (207) 594-1431 or visit www.samoset.com .

BOOTHBAY COUNTRY CLUB: Boothbay Country Club is the perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging holes, and ocean breezes. It's location is just minutes from downtown Boothbay Harbor. Visit www.boothbaycountryclub.com for more info!

These are all fabulous courses set in Mid Coast Maine! If you're going to be visiting other parts of our great state, then visit www.golfme.com for a complete list of Maine Golf Courses!
And if you'd like to purchase a home located on a Maine Golf Course, contact The Hershey Home Team!

Lunch Lessons

For some reason, it seems like more and more of my day to day experiences are providing me with blog topics....as well as business lessons! For example, the simple act of going out to lunch the other day inspired this blog...a lesson for sellers, agents, and Pizza Hut!

It was a crazy day and we decided to slip into the Brunswick Pizza Hut to hit the buffet. It seemed like a good decision at the time...fast...hot...and involving pizza. What could go wrong?
Well..it started with waiting 10 minutes to be seated. There was no one in line in front of us...tons of empty tables...but no-one who worked there could find the time to seat us. That should have been my first sign. We were finally seated, ordered our drinks, and headed to the buffet. Only half of the buffet table was filled and the pizza that was there was cold and tired looking. We selected a few pieces, headed back to our table, and just as we finished eating we received our drinks. To make a long story short, the food was cold, the service was terrible, and we left with a bad taste in our mouths. Literally.

Needless to say I felt cheated. There were a dozen restaurants I could have spent my money in. So my question is...during a tough economic time when people don't have a lot of money to throw around, why isn't Pizza Hut doing everything it can to attract diners? They should have the biggest selection of the freshest, hottest, pizza around to lure people in. Their service should be top notch! Even if they're rolling in the dough...pardon the pun... they should be at the top of their game! I know I won't be going back there.

So Sellers..here's a lesson for you. Like restaurants, there are quite a few homes on the market for buyers to choose from! Talk with your agent and make sure you're both doing everything you can to make your home stand out among the sea of homes for sale! You can't put cold, tired pizza out on the buffet and expect buyers to come back and spend their money on it. Get rid of the clutter, clean the carpets, paint the laundry room, cut the grass, plant some flowers! In other words..put your best pizza on the buffet! If you don't, buyers will take their appetites and their money to the buffet around the corner.

And Agents, this should be the time when you provide better service than any other restaurant agency in the area! Return calls promptly, answer your e-mails, communicate with your clients, be kind to agents who bring their buyers...do everything you can to prove that you've got the best service in town! Because like buffets and homes for sale, there are a lot of agents to choose from!

So there you go...two good lessons that emerged from a bad dining experience. I for one plan to revisit my business plan and my listing buffet to ensure that I have the best service and the freshest, hottest listings around!

If you'd like to receive tips on preparing your home for sale, contact The Hershey Home Team!
If you'd like to experience top-notch service from a Realtor, contact The Hershey Home Team!